Jackson, Pippen Certainly Have Special Kind of Rivalry

Phil Jackson always is so sure about Scottie Pippen, because of the six championship rings and the countless battles they shared.

They admire each other still, to the point where Jackson shouts things during games, if not at Pippen, then certainly to be heard by him.

He smiles and Pippen tries not to, but they both know, and usually that’s good enough.

Pippen has not played well against Jackson’s Lakers. Maybe it’s because Jackson’s Lakers have Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Maybe it’s because Jackson’s Lakers have Jackson.

“I’m not playing against Phil,” Pippen said tersely. “I’m playing against his team.”

Their relationship has remained sturdy, Pippen said, “but I’ve got to beat his team.”

Asked specifically about his play--he averaged 6.5 points on 26.8% shooting in four regular-season games--Pippen said, “Season ended up 2-2. So, who cares?”

Not Jackson.

“I’ve not thought about Scottie’s game in those terms,” Jackson said. “He’s 37? We have to understand this is a basketball player playing on a terrific level and doing a lot of things for his basketball team. His poise, his control, his ability to move the basketball for his team, and do some things defensively that’s important for them all. He’s not shot the ball well, and that’s just part of the game.

“I know that Scottie’s filled up a lot of stat sheets over the years, though this isn’t a time when stats are important to him. It’s developing his team’s game that is.”

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By the end of June, Jackson could have more playoff wins than any coach in history.

He has 143 after Thursday’s victory. Pat Riley leads, with 155. Jackson could reach 156, if the Lakers win their third consecutive NBA title.

Another championship would give Jackson nine as a coach, tying him with Red Auerbach.

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The Trail Blazers made it clear they intended to take advantage of Rick Fox in the post in Game 2, particularly with Bonzi Wells.

“They feel as though we don’t have anyone to stop it,” Fox said. “I take that as a personal challenge. It’s a slap in my face.”

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The Trail Blazers have played more playoff games-- 673 on their veteran roster entering the postseason--than any team in the playoffs.

The Lakers, with 636, ranked second. Robert Horry’s 134 playoff games led the Lakers.